Better Place Unveils Europe’s First Battery Switch Station in Denmark

20 Battery Switch Stations to be deployed over the next nine months

June 28, 2011 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

COPENHAGEN, Denmark--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In preparation for commercial launch later this year, Better Place today
unveiled the company’s first Battery Switch station in Europe at an
event in Gladsaxe, just outside Copenhagen. The station, which showcased
the company’s Battery Switch technology, switching a Renault Fluence
Z.E., is the first of 20 Battery Switch Stations to be deployed across
the country over the next nine months as part of the company’s
nationwide network of charging infrastructure that will launch later
this year in partnership with DONG Energy and more than 45
municipalities.

In March, Better Place opened the Better Place Center in Hellerup,
Denmark and since then, nearly 3,000 visitors have passed through the
center and interest in a tour of the Better Place Center continues to
grow. Moreover, nine out of 10 visitors have said after the visit, that
they are considering buying an electric car. Better Place and Renault
will begin marketing the Fluence Z.E. later this fall.

"The Better Place solution offers a great driving experience, improves
air quality and increases the share of renewable energy in the electric
grid – all of this at a more affordable cost of ownership than
comparable conventional cars," said Johnny Hansen, CEO of Better Place
Denmark. “I am convinced that with the Battery Switch model we have
overcome the last barrier to the electric car's commercial breakthrough:
range, and based on the interest we have received so far, I expect this
to be the top selling car in Denmark in just a few years.”

“Today marks a significant milestone for the partnership between Better
Place and Renault. Together we are unlocking the full potential of
electric cars, giving them virtually unlimited range because they no
longer have to wait hours to charge. Danish consumers are poised to lead
the transition to a more sustainable transportation model,” said Henrik
Bang, Renault Denmark.

The battery switch experience is a simple, fully-automated process that
together with the Renault Fluence Z.E. gives drivers the autonomy of
unlimited range. Customers simply swipe their membership card, which
authenticates the car and subscription via the Operations Center to
activate the switch. The rest of the process is automated, similar to
going through a car wash, so the driver never has to leave the car. In
just a few minutes, a robotic arm removes the depleted battery and
replaces it with a full one and the driver is back on the road.

Denmark’s adaptability in terms of new climate friendly technology, a
strong commitment to renewable energy, largely powered by wind and
political leadership that has set ambitious carbon reduction targets
makes it the perfect match for Better Place and the Renault Fluence Z.E.

“Denmark is leading the global transition from oil based transportation
to electric. Over the next nine months, the solution you see here will
be replicated across the country – giving drivers the confidence and
freedom to drive zero emission, zero oil cars with the same convenience
they enjoy with today’s gas cars,” Hansen concluded.

About Better Place

Better Place is the electric car network that makes driving more
affordable, convenient and sustainable through a revolutionary
switchable battery model. Better Place is building the infrastructure
and intelligent network to deliver a range of services to drivers,
enable widespread adoption of electric vehicles, and optimize energy
use. The Better Place network addresses historical limitations to
adoption by providing unlimited driving range in a convenient and
accessible manner. The company works with all parts of the
transportation ecosystem, including automakers, battery suppliers,
energy companies, and the public sector, to create a compelling
solution. Based in California and privately held, Better Place has
operating companies in Israel, Denmark, and Australia. More information
is available at http://www.betterplace.com.